Microstructural abnormalities of short-distance white matter tracts in autism spectrum disorder.

ABSTRACT: Recent functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have suggested atypical functional connectivity and reduced integrity of long-distance white matter fibers in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, evidence for short-distance white matter fibers is still limited, despite some speculation of potential sparing of local connectivity in ASD. Short-distance U-fibers are an important component of neural networks and are thought to play a crucial role in cognitive function. In the present study, we applied tract-based spatial statistics to derive short- and long-distance white matter tracts in frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes in both hemispheres. DTI data were acquired from 26 children with ASD and 24 typically developing (TD) children. A

SUBMITTER: Shukla DK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3482113 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature